Fiber optic cassettes and splice modules

ABSTRACT

A fiber optic cassette includes a cassette body, the cassette body extending along a longitudinal axis between a front and a rear, extending along a lateral axis between a first side and a second side, and extending along a transverse axis between a bottom and a top. The fiber optic cassette further includes a plurality of fiber optic adapter apertures defined at the front of the cassette body. The fiber optic cassette further includes a side channel defined at the first side of the cassette body, the side channel including an entry aperture spaced from the rear of the cassette body along the longitudinal axis. The fiber optic cassette further includes a splice module receptacle defined in the cassette body.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic cassettes andsplice modules, and more particularly to fiber optic cassettes andsplice modules for use in high density applications.

BACKGROUND

As demands for greater telecommunications access and connectivity speedsincrease, so do the demands for greater numbers of fiber opticconnections in data centers. Enclosures, racks, and other environmentswhich house such connections must accommodate greater numbers of fiberoptic connections, along with the associated cables, fibers, connectors,and other hardware.

Fiber optic cassettes are typically utilized to accommodate fiber opticpatch and splice connections. As the need for greater numbers of fiberoptic connections and high density fiber optic environments increases,so do the demands for smaller, more compact cassettes which can providepatch and splice features for a large number of fibers and fiber opticconnectors. At the same time, such cassettes must be easy to utilize,allowing technicians to easily access the components of such cassettesfor patching and splicing purposes. Such easy access in many cases mustbe facilitated in crowded, high-density data center environments.

Accordingly, improved fiber optic cassettes which address the aboveconcerns are desired in the art. Additionally, improved splice moduleswhich can be utilized with such cassettes would be advantageous.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thefollowing description, or may be obvious from the description, or may belearned through practice of the invention.

In accordance with one embodiment, a fiber optic cassette defining amutually orthogonal coordinate system having a longitudinal axis, alateral axis, and a transverse axis is provided. The fiber opticcassette includes a cassette body, the cassette body extending along thelongitudinal axis between a front and a rear, extending along thelateral axis between a first side and a second side, and extending alongthe transverse axis between a bottom and a top. The fiber optic cassettefurther includes a plurality of fiber optic adapter apertures defined atthe front of the cassette body. The fiber optic cassette furtherincludes a side channel defined at the first side of the cassette body,the side channel including an entry aperture spaced from the rear of thecassette body along the longitudinal axis. The fiber optic cassettefurther includes a splice module receptacle defined in the cassettebody.

The fiber optic cassette may further include an insert module removablyinsertable into an intermediate portion of the side channel.

The fiber optic cassette may further include a splice module removablyinsertable into the splice module receptacle. The splice module mayinclude a splice insert.

In accordance with another embodiment, a splice module may be provided.The splice module may include a splice insert.

A splice insert may include an insert body, the insert body including afirst side and an opposing second side. The insert body may define aplurality of first channels on the first side and a second channel onthe second side, the second channel having a maximum width which isgreater than a maximum width of any of the plurality of first channels.The second channel is positioned between a first portion of theplurality of first channels and a second portion of the plurality offirst channels in a linear array.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fiber optic cassette in accordancewith embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top disassembled view of the components of a fiber opticcassette in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a fiber optic splice insert inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a fiber optic splice module in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of an insert module in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a side tab of a cover of afiber optic cassette in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a latch of a cover of a fiberoptic cassette in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 7, embodiments of fiber optic cassettes10 and splice modules 100 are shown. Fiber optic cassettes 10 inaccordance with the present disclosure advantageously provide improvedpatch and splice solutions for high density fiber optic environments.For example, fiber optic cassettes 10 in accordance with the presentdisclosure advantageously provide improved cable routing into thecassettes 10. Further, splice modules 100 allow for splicing to becompleted outside of the cassettes 10 and then moved into the cassettes10. Further, cassettes 10 are relatively more compact andspace-efficient than known patch and splice cassettes.

A mutually orthogonal coordinate system may be defined for cassette 10in accordance with the present disclosure. The coordinate system mayinclude a longitudinal axis 12, a lateral axis 14, and a transverse axis16, each of which may be mutually orthogonal to the others in thecoordinate system.

A cassette 10 in accordance with the present disclosure may include acassette body 20 which defines an interior 21. Body 20 may extend alongthe longitudinal axis between a front 22 and a rear 23, and may extendalong the lateral axis between a first side 24 and a second side 25, andmay extend along the transverse axis 16 between a bottom 26 and a top27. A base wall 30 may be positioned at the bottom 26, and first andsecond side walls 32, 34 may be positioned at the first side 24 andsecond side 25, respectively. A rear wall 36 may be positioned at orextend to the rear 23. For example, in exemplary embodiments as shown,the rear wall 36 is or includes a curved portion that extends from aposition between the front 22 and rear 23 (in exemplary embodiments moreproximate rear 23 than front 22) to the rear 23.

Cassette 10 may further include a plurality of fiber optic adapterapertures 40 which may be defined in the cassette body 20. For example,such adapter apertures 40 may be defined at the front 22, as shown. Eachadapter aperture 40 may accommodate one or more fiber optic adapters 42therein. In exemplary embodiments, no fiber optic adapter apertures oradapters are defined in the rear 23 or rear wall 36.

Cassette 10 may further include a plurality of retention tabs 44disposed in the interior 21 of body 20. Retention tabs 44 may bepositioned above base wall 30 to allow fibers within the interior 21 tobe routed between the retention tabs 44 and base wall 30. Retention tabs44 may be advantageously positioned in the interior 21 such that fiberscan be routed therein without exceeding bending radius limits thereof.

Cassette 10 may further include one or more side tabs 46, 48. Side tabs46, 48 may be disposed at the first side 24 and second side 25,respectively. For example, side tabs 46, 48 may extend from the firstside wall 32 and second side wall 34, respectively, into the interior21, such as along the lateral axis 14. As discussed herein, side tabs46, 48 may interface with a cover of the cassette 10 to removablyconnect the cover to the cassette body 20.

Cassette 10 may further include a side channel 50 defined therein. Sidechannel 50 may, for example, be defined at the first side 24, such asbetween the rear 23 and front 22 along the longitudinal axis 12. Theside channel 50 may extend, such as along the longitudinal axis 12,between an entry aperture 52 and an exit aperture 54. The entry aperture52 may provide an entry into the side channel 50 from exterior to thecassette 10, and the exit aperture 54 may provide an exit from the sidechannel 50 into a remainder of the interior 21. Entry aperture 52 may bespaced from the rear 23, as shown.

Side channel 50 may generally facilitate the entry of fiber optic cablesand/or buffer tubes into the cassette 10 for splicing and connectionpurposes. A cable/buffer tube may enter the side channel 50 through theentry aperture 52 and exit the side channel 50 into the remainder of theinterior 21 through the exit aperture 54. Further, the side channel 50may be secured to the cassette 10 within the side channel 50. Forexample, an insert module 60 may be removable insertable into the sidechannel 50. The cable/buffer tube may advantageously be insertable intothe insert module 60, and the insert module 60 and cable/buffer tubethen inserted into the side channel 50 to secure the cable/buffer tubeto the cassette 10.

In some embodiments, the side channel 50 may be divided into variousportions, such as an entry portion 53, exit portion 55, and intermediateportion 57. Partitions 58 may subdivide the side channel 50 into suchportions. In exemplary embodiments, the insert module 60 may beremovably insertable into the intermediate portion 57.

Insert module 60 may, for example, be formed from a suitably resilientmaterial such as rubber, such as in exemplary embodiments vulcanizedrubber. Alternatively, other suitable materials may be utilized. Insertmodule 60 may include a body 62 which defines a channel 64 in which oneor more cables/buffer tubes may be inserted. Channel 64 may include oneor more channel portions 65′, 65″. In exemplary embodiments, eachchannel portion 65 may have a generally elliptical cross-sectionalprofile. When the insert module 60 is inserted in the cassette 10, thechannel portions 65 may be stacked and aligned along the transverse axis16. Further, each channel portion 65′, 65″ may have a maximum width 66′,66″. In exemplary embodiments, the maximum width 66″ may be greater thanthe maximum width 66′. Further, in exemplary embodiments, channelportion 65′ may be above channel portion 65″ (e.g. relatively closer totop 27) along the transverse axis 16. Still further, in exemplaryembodiments, a portion of body 62 may be stacked above the channel 64and channel portions 65 thereof, such that the cables/buffer tubes aresecured between the body 62 and base wall 30.

Cassette 10 may further include a splice module receptacle 70 defined inthe cassette body 20, such as within the interior 21. Receptacle 70 mayprovide a location for removably connecting a splice module 100 to thecassette 10. Splice module receptacle 70 may, for example, include aframe 72 and/or one or more clips 74 which removable secure the splicemodule 100 in the interior 21.

As discussed, a splice module 100 may be provided in a cassette 10. Thesplice module 100 may, for example, be removably insertable into thesplice module receptacle 70. Splice module 100 may include a spliceinsert 102, and may further include a holder base 104 and a holder cover106. The insert 102 may, for example, be positionable between the holderbase 104 and holder cover 106, such that when assembled the insert 102is sandwiched between the holder base 104 and holder cover 106. Holderbase 104 and holder cover 106 may be removably connectable to eachother, such as via clips 105, 107 respectively thereof, to removablysecure the insert 102 therebetween.

When inserted into a cassette 10, such as the interior 21 thereof, asplice module 100 may be inserted into and secured within receptacle 70.In some embodiments, for example, module 100 may be inserted within theframe 72. In some embodiments, for example, module 100 may be securedwithin receptacle by contact of clips 74 with the base 104 and/or cover106.

Splice insert 102 may include an insert body 110 which includes a firstside 112 and an opposing second side 114. A plurality of first channels116 may be defined in the insert body 110, such as on the first side 112thereof. One or more second channels 118 may be defined in the insertbody 110, such as on the second side 114 thereof.

Each first channel 116 may have a maximum width 117, and each secondchannel 118 may have a maximum width 119. In exemplary embodiments, themaximum width 119 of any second channel 118 is greater than the maximumwidth 117 of any first channel 116. First channels 116 may, for example,be designed to accommodate one or more single splice fibers, whilesecond channels 118 may, for example, be designed to accommodate one ormore ribbon splices (including for example intermittently bonded ribbonsplices).

In exemplary embodiments, the first channels 116 and second channel(s)118 may be aligned in a linear array. When the splice module 100 isinserted in the cassette 10, the linear array may extend along thelateral axis 114.

In exemplary embodiments, a second channel 118 may be positioned betweena first portion 120 of the first channels 116 and a second portion 122of the first channels 116. Each portion may include one or more firstchannels 116, such as in exemplary embodiments a plurality of firstchannels 116. In exemplary embodiments, the first portion 120 and secondportion 122 include the same number of first channels 116.

Each first channel 116 may include one or more channel portions 115′,115″. In exemplary embodiments, each channel portion 115 may have agenerally elliptical cross-sectional profile. When the splice module 100is inserted in the cassette 10, the channel portions 115 may be stackedand aligned along the transverse axis 16. Further, the maximum width 117in each channel portion 115′, 115″ may in exemplary embodiments be thesame. Alternative, the maximum width 117 in a channel portion 115′ maybe different from the maximum width 117 of a channel portion 115″ in achannel 116.

A cassette 10 in accordance with the present disclosure may furtherinclude a cover 80 which is removably connectable to the cassette body20, such as at the top 27 thereof. When connected, the interior 21 maybe disposed between the cover 80 and base wall 30 along the transverseaxis 16. Cover 80 may include a cover body 82 which, when connected tocassette body 20, extends along the longitudinal axis 12 between a front82 and a rear 83 and extends along the lateral axis 14 between a firstside 84 and a second side 85.

Cover 80 may further include a plurality of tabs 90 which extend fromthe front 82 along the longitudinal axis 12. When the cover 80 isremovably connected to the body 20, the tabs 90 may be removablyinserted into the interior 21. More particularly, in exemplaryembodiments, each of the plurality of tabs 90 may be removablyinsertable into one of the plurality of adapter apertures 40.Accordingly, when the cover 80 is removably connected to the body 20,the tabs 90 may be removably inserted into the apertures 40. Tabs 90thus align and secure the cover 80 with respect to the body 20.

Cover 80 may further include a latch 92, which may be proximate the rear83. Latch 92 may, for example, include a step 93. The latch 92, and inparticular the step 93 thereof, may contact the body 20, such as therear wall 36 thereof, when the cover 80 is removably connected to thecassette body 20. Further, to disconnect the cover 80, a user may needto manipulate the latch 92 such that the latch 92, and in particular thestep 93 thereof, is out of contact with the body 20, such as the rearwall 36 thereof. Latch 92 thus secures the cover 80 to the body 20.

Cover 80 may further include one or more side tabs 96, 98. Side tabs 96,98 may be disposed at the first side 84 and second side 85,respectively. For example, when cover 80 is removably connected tocassette body 20, side tabs 96, 98 may extend from the cover body 82into the interior 21, such as along the transverse axis 16.

Each tab 96, 98 may interface with a tab 46, 48 of cassette body 20, asdiscussed herein. For example, each tab 96, 98 may include a slot 97, 99defined therein. Tabs 46, 48 may be removably insertable into the slots97, 99, respectively, when the cover 80 is removably connected to thecassette body 20. Tabs 96, 98 may thus align and secure the cover 80with respect to the body 20.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fiber optic cassette defining a mutuallyorthogonal coordinate system having a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis,and a transverse axis, the fiber optic cassette comprising: a cassettebody, the cassette body extending along the longitudinal axis between afront and a rear, extending along the lateral axis between a first sideand a second side, and extending along the transverse axis between abottom and a top; a plurality of fiber optic adapter apertures definedat the front of the cassette body; a side channel defined at the firstside of the cassette body, the side channel comprising an entry aperturespaced from the rear of the cassette body along the longitudinal axis; asplice module receptacle defined in the cassette body; an insert moduleremovably insertable into an intermediate portion of the side channel; asplice module removably insertable into the splice module receptacle;and a cover, the cover removably connectable to the cassette body,wherein the cover comprises a cover body extending along thelongitudinal axis between a front and a rear, and wherein the coverfurther comprises a plurality of tabs extending from the front along thelongitudinal axis, each of the plurality of tabs removably insertableinto one of the plurality of fiber optic adapter apertures when thecover is removably connected to the cassette body.
 2. The fiber opticcassette of claim 1, wherein the splice module comprises a holder base,a holder cover, and a splice insert, the splice insert positionablebetween the holder base and the holder cover, the holder cover removablyconnectable to the holder base.
 3. The fiber optic cassette of claim 1,wherein the splice module comprises a splice insert, the splice insertcomprising an insert body comprising a first side and an opposing secondside, the insert body defining a plurality of first channels on thefirst side and a second channel on the second side, the second channelhaving a maximum width which is greater than a maximum width of any ofthe plurality of first channels.
 4. The fiber optic cassette of claim 3,wherein the plurality of first channels and the second channel arealigned in a linear array.
 5. The fiber optic cassette of claim 4,wherein the second channel is positioned between a first portion of theplurality of first channels and a second portion of the plurality offirst channels in the linear array.
 6. The fiber optic cassette of claim3, wherein each of the plurality of first channels comprises a pluralityof channel sections.
 7. The fiber optic cassette of claim 1, wherein achannel is defined in the insert module, the channel comprising aplurality of channel sections.
 8. The fiber optic cassette of claim 1,wherein the cover further comprises a latch proximate the rear, thelatch comprising a step which contacts the cassette body when the coveris removably connected to the cassette body.
 9. The fiber optic cassetteof claim 1, wherein the cassette body comprises at least one tabdisposed at the first side and at the second side, wherein the covercomprises a cover body extending along the lateral axis between a firstside and a second side, wherein the cover further comprises at least onetab disposed at the first side of the cover and the second side of thecover, each of the at least one tab of the cover defining a slot, andwherein the tabs of the cassette body are removably insertable into theslots of the cover when the cover is removably connected to the cassettebody.
 10. A splice module, the splice module comprising: a spliceinsert, the splice insert comprising an insert body, the insert bodycomprising a first side and an opposing second side, the insert bodydefining a plurality of first channels on the first side and a secondchannel on the second side, the second channel having a maximum widthwhich is greater than a maximum width of any of the plurality of firstchannels, wherein the second channel is positioned between a firstportion of the plurality of first channels and a second portion of theplurality of first channels in a linear array, and wherein longitudinalaxes of the first channels and second channel are parallel and alignedin the linear array.
 11. The splice module of claim 10, wherein thesplice module further comprises a holder base and a holder cover, thesplice insert positionable between the holder base and the holder cover,the holder cover removably connectable to the holder base.
 12. Thesplice module of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of firstchannels comprises a plurality of channel sections.
 13. A fiber opticcassette defining a mutually orthogonal coordinate system having alongitudinal axis, a lateral axis, and a transverse axis, the fiberoptic cassette comprising: a cassette body, the cassette body extendingalong the longitudinal axis between a front and a rear, extending alongthe lateral axis between a first side and a second side, and extendingalong the transverse axis between a bottom and a top; a plurality offiber optic adapter apertures defined at the front of the cassette body;a side channel defined at the first side of the cassette body, the sidechannel comprising an entry aperture spaced from the rear of thecassette body along the longitudinal axis; a splice module receptacledefined in the cassette body; an insert module removably insertable intoan intermediate portion of the side channel; a splice module removablyinsertable into the splice module receptacle; and a cover, the coverremovably connectable to the cassette body, wherein the cassette bodycomprises at least one tab disposed at the first side and at the secondside, wherein the cover comprises a cover body extending along thelateral axis between a first side and a second side, wherein the coverfurther comprises at least one tab disposed at the first side of thecover and the second side of the cover, each of the at least one tab ofthe cover defining a slot, and wherein the tabs of the cassette body areremovably insertable into the slots of the cover when the cover isremovably connected to the cassette body.
 14. The fiber optic cassetteof claim 13, wherein the splice module comprises a holder base, a holdercover, and a splice insert, the splice insert positionable between theholder base and the holder cover, the holder cover removably connectableto the holder base.
 15. The fiber optic cassette of claim 13, whereinthe splice module comprises a splice insert, the splice insertcomprising an insert body comprising a first side and an opposing secondside, the insert body defining a plurality of first channels on thefirst side and a second channel on the second side, the second channelhaving a maximum width which is greater than a maximum width of any ofthe plurality of first channels.
 16. The fiber optic cassette of claim15, wherein the plurality of first channels and the second channel arealigned in a linear array.
 17. The fiber optic cassette of claim 16,wherein the second channel is positioned between a first portion of theplurality of first channels and a second portion of the plurality offirst channels in the linear array.
 18. The fiber optic cassette ofclaim 15, wherein each of the plurality of first channels comprises aplurality of channel sections.
 19. The fiber optic cassette of claim 13,wherein a channel is defined in the insert module, the channelcomprising a plurality of channel sections.
 20. The fiber optic cassetteof claim 13, wherein the cover further comprises a latch proximate therear, the latch comprising a step which contacts the cassette body whenthe cover is removably connected to the cassette body.